Origin and Evolution of the AIDS Virus

Introduction:

A virus is an infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat. It is too small to be seen by light microscopy and is able to multiply only within the living cells of a host. One virus that has received global attention over the last thirty years or so is the HIV/AIDS virus. This virus attacks the body’s immune system, which in turn stops the body’s ability to be able to fight off illness. Thus, people who contract HIV/AIDS are susceptible to death by sicknesses that a healthy individual is able to recover from easily.

Origins:

The cause of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 is not just one virus, but comprises four distinct lineages each with very different frequency and each resulting from an independent cross-species transmission event. The groups are named M, N, O, and P; M is the most widespread form and constitutes about 98% of HIV infection around the globe (Sharpe 2010 2487). Groups N, O, and P are rare, and largely restricted to Cameroon and surrounding countries. The forth and most recent P group strain of HIV-1 is closely related to the gorilla viruses and has most likely resulted from gorilla-to-human transmission (Sharp & Hahn 2489). The HIV virus blocks the functions of tetherin in the human body. Tetheirn is a mammalian host protein with a recently discovered antiviral activity. Tetherin dimers appear to form ‘tethers’ between virus envelopes and the cytoplasmic membrane of the cell, preventing the release of those viruses. HIV-1 has adapted over time in attempts to counteract tetherin, which has yielded different results and caused the formation of M, N, O, and P. Only in the case of HIV-1 group has adap...

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...al tools to prevent HIV infection, as well as safe, affordable, and nontoxic therapies for initial control of infection.

Although antiretroviral treatment has reduced the toll of AIDS related deaths, access to therapy is not universal, and the prospects of curative treatments and an effective vaccine are uncertain. Thus, AIDS will continue to pose a significant public health threat for decades to come.

Works Cited

“Origins of HIV and the AIDS Pandemic”, Cold Springs Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, Paul

M. Sharp and Beatrice H. Hahn, 2011

“The evolution of HIV-1 and the origin of AIDS”, Philosophical Transactions of The Royal

Society, Paul M. Sharp and Beatrice H. Hahn, 2010

“The Challenge of Finding a Cure for HIV Infection”, Science Magazine, Douglas D. Richman,

David M. Margolis, Martin Delaney, Warner C. Greene, Daria Hazuda, Roger J.

Pomerantz, 2009